Research finds dsm-firmenich synbiotic can reduce fatigue symptoms post-COVID-19

A clinical trial on a dsm-firmenich synbiotic blend finds that daily three-month supplementation may help manage key clinical features of post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The combination of four strains from the company’s Humiome portfolio, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and zinc attenuated post-exercise malaise and increased brain metabolites in adults suffering from CFS.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and long-lasting neurological condition characterized by symptoms such as severe fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, post-exercise malaise — where the body is unable to recover from exercise — and irregularities in brain metabolism. 

The syndrome can manifest after a viral infection, although the exact causes remain unclear. Up to 45% of COVID-19 survivors report symptoms. 

“The results are promising and reveal exciting new nutritional avenues to support people living with CFS and improve their quality of life,” Robert Steinert, Health, Nutrition, and Care principal scientist at dsm-firmenich, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“However, as this is the first study of its kind, further validation is required before endorsing these synbiotics as a clinical therapy. Future research with this synbiotic blend in CFS will look to elucidate the molecular pathways influencing any clinical effects. For example, researchers could analyze the diversity and metabolites of the gut microbiota while monitoring cognitive performance.”

Steinert underscores that CFS is a debilitating condition, affecting millions of people after infections, including long COVID patients or extended periods of stress. 

“The hallmark symptoms, including severe fatigue, impaired physical stamina, and cognitive dysfunction, are often associated with disruptions in the gut microbiome. Therefore, beneficially modulating and restoring the microbiota could offer a safe, cost-effective nutritional strategy for supporting people living with CFS.” 

Gut-brain-energy axis

The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, included 26 adults diagnosed with post-COVID-19 CFS. Over three months, 12 participants received the synbiotic blend daily, and the remaining 14 consumed a placebo (maltodextrin). 

Up to 45% of COVID-19 survivors report CFS conditions, such as severe fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, or post-exercise malaise.As gastrointestinal disturbances are frequently associated with post-COVID-19 CFS, the researchers hypothesized that restoring the gut microbiota ecosystem with probiotics could provide a safe and cost-effective strategy for nutritional management and address key clinical features. 

“While a small number of previous clinical trials have examined how probiotic supplementation could support people with CFS, including a recent study in long COVID, this is the first to investigate the impact of a synbiotic blend in CFS,” says Steinert. 

“This research adds to the growing evidence behind the idea of a gut-brain-energy axis modifiable by nutritional intervention. In particular, the findings demonstrate that synbiotics have the potential to help boost both physical and mental energy, providing critical support for CFS patients.”

Daily synbiotics

The synbiotic mixture included Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus DSM 32550, Humiome Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34532, Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 32269, B. longum DSM 32946, FOS (2.5 g), and zinc (5 mg).

“Researchers found that people receiving daily synbiotic supplementation showed higher levels of important brain metabolites creatine and choline in particular brain regions, suggesting enhanced neuronal energy metabolism,” explains Steinert. 

“Moreover, there was a significant reduction in post-exercise malaise in the synbiotic group. This is a hallmark symptom of CFS where the body cannot recover even after using small amounts of energy, significantly affecting people’s quality of life.” 

Steinert says that future research with this synbiotic blend in CFS will examine molecular pathways influencing any clinical effects.He adds that the synbiotic group also showed a strong trend toward improved cognitive symptoms, including concentration challenges, compared to the placebo. General fatigue was also significantly reduced in both groups after three months.

“Together, these findings reveal the potential of synbiotics to provide effective support for people living with CFS, opening new avenues for nutritional solutions that improve the quality of life for millions worldwide.”

Earlier this month, dsm-firmenich shared research evidence that a synbiotic Humiome blend and hypnotherapy may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, irritability, and anxiety symptoms in children with autism. 

Next steps

The researchers say that additional research is needed to confirm these promising findings across diverse groups with CFS. The current study focused on young-to-middle-aged adult patients and did not control for participants’ vaccination status or the time since COVID-19 infection. 

In addition, the team notes that using a market-ready synbiotic solution that contains a prebiotic (FOS) and zinc complicates the identification of each component’s individual contribution to the benefits. 

They also suggest future studies explore immunological biomarkers associated with brain function and cognition after synbiotic supplementation. For example, the current research did not consider dietary fiber intake or individual microbiota profiles.  

According to the research team, future studies should use a gut-neutral compound, such as an empty capsule, as a placebo since maltodextrin potentially impacts the gut, with benefits in immunity, inflammatory markers, and gut function. Moreover, CFS symptoms may resolve due to spontaneous recovery over three months.